Product Description

A mother who cannot face her future.

A daughter who cannot escape her past.

Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a keeper of secrets. A Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage, she honors the auld ways, even as doubts and fears stir deep within her. Her husband, Lord Donald, has secrets of his own, well hidden from the household, yet whispered among the town gossips. His mother, the dowager Lady Marjory, hides gold beneath her floor and guilt inside her heart. Though her two abiding passions are maintaining her place in society and coddling her grown sons, Marjory's many regrets, buried in Greyfriars Churchyard, continue to plague her. One by one the Kerr family secrets begin to surface, even as bonny Prince Charlie and his rebel army ride into Edinburgh in September 1745, intent on capturing the crown. A timeless story of love and betrayal, loss and redemption, flickering against the vivid backdrop of eighteenth-century Scotland, Here Burns My Candle illumines the dark side of human nature, even as hope, the brightest of tapers, lights the way home.

A Readers Guide and Scottish Glossary Are Included

Product Information

Endorsements

Liz Curtis Higgs has an unmatched ability to illuminate the depth of human emotions while taking her readers on a breathtaking journey through the darkness and light of another time and another place. With the deft hand only a master storyteller can apply, Higgs reaches back to the past and weaves a multi-threaded tapestry into a brilliant tale of betrayal and challenge, love and redemption. Her gift continues to shine.  BJ Hoff, author of The Emerald Ballad series

A wonderful retelling of the story of Ruth by one of my favorite authors. Here Burns My Candle is rich with historic detail and living, breathing characters that engaged me from page one right through to the perfect ending.
 Francine Rivers, author of Redeeming Love

Prepare to burn your own candle well into the night as Higgs treats us to a verra wonderful Scottish tale of faith, forgiveness, love, loss, and secrets. I couldna put it doon!  Deeanne Gist, author of A Bride in the Bargain

Settle in with Here Burns My Candle, Liz Curtis Higgss imaginative reworking of the tale of Naomi and Ruth, and venture back to a dangerous and fascinating time with characters who are as endearing as they are flawed. You can almost hear the drums of war and the swish of kilts and satin.  Angela Hunt, author of Let Darkness Come

Higgss pen flows with gold when it turns to Scotland. Enticing from gripping first page to satisfying last, Here Burns My Candle will sweep you away!
 Tamera Alexander, author of Beyond This Moment

Once again Liz Curtis Higgs pens an exceptional story of intrigue, romance, and spiritual faith. Her attention to historical detail gives this story a life all its own, and the characters were so real I found myself thinking about them throughout the day. I simply could not put this book down.  Tracie Peterson, author of Dawns Prelude

Liz Curtis Higgs writes with a cinematic eyecolor, texture, emotional depth. Her words give breath to this fresh twist on a beloved Old Testament story. Here Burns My Candle radiates the authors love of Scotland and its mesmeric history in this story of women bound by obligation yet tethered to devotion. It will keep you up all night until youve turned the last dramatic page!  Patricia Hickman, author of The Pirate Queen

I love a story that engages the heart first, the mind second. While reading Higgss novel, I became her noble heroine and was convicted by similarities to her antagonist, learning through it all. Come away to an enchanting glimpse of ancient Scotland and beyond. Truly amazing.  Lisa Tawn Bergren, author of The Begotten

ChristianBookPreviews.com

Based on the story of Naomi and Ruth, Liz Curtis Higgs historical novel Here Burns My Candle does not follow the traditional Christian romance plot. Elisabeth Kerr struggles to keep her Jacobite loyalties and pagan views a secret from her royalist, Christian family, especially her mother-in-law and sister-in-law. As Prince Charles leads a rebellion against the crown in 1745 Scotland, Elisabeth begins to question her beliefs while her familys loyalties begin to change. Changes dont go unnoticed, however, and the Kerr family will have to deal with the consequences of its choices.

Higgs detailed description of the historical and pagan setting of the novel does not match her not-so-detailed description of the Kerrs faith. Although she quotes several times from Psalms and has characters going to church, she never mentions Christ. Here Burns My Candle does not lack in redemptive themes, however. Elisabeth is not the only one with secrets. When covert affairs unravel, she and her husband must reconcile before its too late. Meanwhile, Elisabeths mother-in-law tries to accept her and slowly learns of the gift of hope, the one burning candle she has left, in her precious daughter-in-law. The family will have to learn to Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD (Psalm 27:14) before things can get better.

Readers familiar with the book of Ruth will already know how the story ends. With very little romance, but many intriguing characters, Higgs takes a predictable story and makes it original. She shows her talent through her ability to keep the readers attention despite an obvious ending. From her well-crafted wording to her intriguing and realistic characters, Higgs has created a book worth reading, a book that will have readers begging for the soon-to-be-released sequel.  Harmony Wheeler, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com

Editorial Reviews

Praise forHere Burns My Candle

"Liz Curtis Higgs has an unmatched ability to illuminate the depth of human emotions while taking her readers on a breathtaking journey through the darkness and light of another time and another place. With the deft hand only a master storyteller can apply, Higgs reaches back to the past and weaves a multi-threaded tapestry into a brilliant tale of betrayal and challenge, love and redemption. Her gift continues to shine."BJ Hoff, author of The Emerald Ballad series

"A wonderful retelling of the story of Ruth by one of my favorite authors. Here Burns My Candle is rich with historic detail and living, breathing characters that engaged me from page one right through to the perfect ending."Francine Rivers, author of Redeeming Love

"Prepare to burn your own candle well into the night as Higgs treats us to a verra wonderful Scottish tale of faith, forgiveness, love, loss, and secrets. I couldna put it doon!"Deeanne Gist, author of A Bride in the Bargain

"Settle in with Here Burns My Candle, Liz Curtis Higgss imaginative reworking of the tale of Naomi and Ruth, and venture back to a dangerous and fascinating time with characters who are as endearing as they are flawed. You can almost hear the drums of war and the swish of kilts and satin."Angela Hunt, author of Let Darkness Come

"Higgss pen flows with gold when it turns to Scotland. Enticing from gripping first page to satisfying last, Here Burns My Candle will sweep you away!" Tamera Alexander, author of Beyond This Moment

"Once again Liz Curtis Higgs pens an exceptional story of intrigue, romance, and spiritual faith. Her attention to historical detail gives this story a life all its own, and the characters were so real I found myself thinking about them throughout the day. I simply could not put this book down." Tracie Peterson, author of Dawns Prelude

"Liz Curtis Higgs writes with a cinematic eyecolor, texture, emotional depth. Her words give breath to this fresh twist on a beloved Old Testament story. Here Burns My Candle radiates the authors love of Scotland and its mesmeric history in this story of women bound by obligation yet tethered to devotion. It will keep you up all night until youve turned the last dramatic page!"Patricia Hickman, author of The Pirate Queen

"I love a story that engages the heart first, the mind second. While reading Higgss novel, I became her noble heroine and was convicted by similarities to her antagonist, learning through it all. Come away to an enchanting glimpse of ancient Scotland and beyond. Truly amazing."Lisa Tawn Bergren, author of The Begotten

Here Burns My Candle is loosely based on the Book of Ruth in the Bible. I really had a hard time getting into this book for because 1)I am not a history buff person, 2) the Scottish dialect was difficult to figure out, but once I did ... no stopping me, 3) Knowing it was suppose to be based on the Ruth & Naomi story I was surprised at some of the content. (I don't like spoilers in a review so I won't go into any detail).

Like I mentioned, the Scottish dialect was difficult for me. There is a Glossary in the back of the book yet some of the words were not there. Also, at the end of the book is the Author's notes. I suggest reading those first, especially if you are not a history buff, because Ms Higgs does explain about places, people, and a bit of history that might make the book a wee bit easier to read, enjoy, and understand.

1745 Edinburgh Scotland ... it is a well researched, well thought out, and a well developed story. I found myself lost in the lives of Kerr family and even their staff. How life brought the different classes together. Real life struggles, family secrets (past and present) and how the loss of everything brings them together on the same level. Lives are changed by the One who created all. Lives are changed by actions and not words.

I sometimes think how interesting it would have been to live in those times ... the dress (which by the way was described so you could see the vivid colors and hear the rustling of the skirts); the society, the similar and yet dangerous times. I was drawn into 1745 Edinburgh, High Street and all the rest.

I'd like to note that Liz Curtis Higgs has been a favorite author of mine for sometimes. This past May I had the privilege to join a tour she was hosting to the Highlands of Scotland. Oh what a treat it was. I purchased the book to read prior to going and it just never happened. Now onto the sequel, Mine In the Night.

Having been a devoted fan follower of Liz Curtis Higgs and reading almost every single book she's ever written! My favorite being the Scottish series. I eagerly couldn't wait to read this new series bringing back the beloved Scottish drama! From the first page, your captivated until the very last one! The story of Ruth and Naomi is stunning and you feel and relate to these characters, unlike other authors, which is extremely hard to do! Liz, breathes life into these every day, yet extraordinary people! This one begins with tears, suspense, mystery, drama, you name it Liz has it! It's such a Blessing and joy to review this book! I Highly recommend it to everyone of all ages!

Liz Curtis Higgs has done it again! She made the story come alive with each character and the surroundings! I like how the story is based on Ruth in the Bible, but has a Scottish twist to it! I cannot wait to read Mine is the Night! This book will surely not leave you disappointed!

Eighteenth-century Scotland. Elisabeth was a born Highlander she went away to school and learned what it took to be a refined lady and returned to Edinburgh to work for friends of the family to learn the trade of seamstress. She falls in love and marries a Lowlander, Lord Donald Kerr. Lord Kerr's dowager mother Lady Marjory does not think Elisabeth is suitable for her son. Lady Marjory hides gold and guilt from her family. Love and betrayal,loss and redemption are many of things this family goes through. Will this family remain loyal to one another and their King? You can tell God continuously is trying to lead them if only they submit to his will.

This was an intense book. It must have taken a lot of research by the author because it was full of history of Scotland and it's people, Highlanders and Lowlanders. The images she was able to put in writing was beyond anything I could imagine on my own. It gives you a true feeling of being there.

Praises to all involved in creating this book. When I finished reading this book I was able to pick up book two in this series starting right where book one had left off.

I highly recommend this book to any one that has a passion got reading.

I rate this book a five out of five.

I purchased this book for my own personal reading. In no way was I compensated by anyone for this review. This is my own honest opinion.

If you are a lover of history, Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs is the book for you!!! Liz fills the pages of this book with so many details that it seems you are there with the characters.

This story of Lady Elizabeth Kerr begins in the year 1745 in Edinburgh, Scotland. You experience all her losses during this crazy period of history yet you also experience the awakening of her soul to an awesome God.

It took some time to journey through these 454 pages but I am more than ready to continue this story in Mine is the Night!!!